Bryce was described as “hypothermic but stable”, and was flown to hospital in Belfast where he is receiving treatment.

Petrie said there were real concerns about whether the surfer would be found.

“Hope was fading of finding the surfer safe and well after such a long period in the water and with nightfall approaching we were gravely concerned but at 7:30pm tonight (1 May), the crew on the coastguard rescue helicopter were delighted when they located the man still with his surfboard and 13 miles off the coast,” she said.

UK Coastguard is now reminding all coastal users to be prepared before going out on the water where conditions can change quickly.

It advises: “Tell someone where you are going and take an appropriate means of raising the alarm in an emergency.”